Create a track manually ( expert mode)

You may create a track point by point, using the track creation in expert mode (Menu / New track / Expert mode).

The editing tools are accessible in the lateral panel on the right of the screen. The different steps are as follow :

Position yourself on the desired location

To find your location, use the search tool top right of the edition's lateral panel.

Choose an appropriate base map

Choose the base map that upon which you want to trace, with precision, your track. You can choose to superimpose several map bases by using the transparent cursor.

Note ! For your tracks in France, we advise you to use ScanExpress (classic or Standard) which is based on the IGN cartography and which is update twice a year from the IGN data base. It is therefore updated more regularly than the usual topographical IGN maps (of which SCAN 25) and has better geometric precision ( better adjustment in relation to aerial images).

Trace your route

There are several creating tools at your disposition :

Adding a point : this tool allows you to add a new point, manually, at each click on the map. So that the calculation of the distance and ascent/descent is as near to reality as possible, it is important to add a sufficient number of points. Thus, when you move your cursor, the distance of your track will be shown in an information bubble: this latter can be in three colours :

GREEN if the position of the cursor is close enough to the preceding point (less than 30m),

ORANGE if the distance is at the limit (between 30 and 50m),

RED if the distance between the cursor and the last point is too great (>50m).

The last point added becomes the finishing point of your track.

To add a point in tactile mode : this tool allows you to add a new point, at each click on the map. The last point added becomes the finishing point of your track. The result obtained with this tool is the same as for the preceding tool, but it has ergonomics specifically adapted for tactile screens (tablets, smartphones). The target at the centre of the screen realises the centre of your point; the button + below on the right of the screen allows you to add the point, once you have moved the map so that the target is placed on the desired point.

Calculated itinerary : this tool uses the OpenStreetMap data base to offer you an itinerary between the last point of your track and the area where you are going to click. If the itinerary offered does not suit you, you can cancel the operation (heading: « Deletion/cancellation tools» > « cancel last action» ). The OpenStreetMap database principally shows the most important roads and paths. To use this tool, post an OpenStreetMap or OpenCycleMap map base.

Return by the same path : this tool allows the duplication of all your track's points and adds them in reverse order. In other words, it allows you to create a return trip !

Looping the route : a point, identical to the starting point, is added to you track and becomes the finishing point.

There are also deletion tools available, practical if you need to cancel your actions !

Delete the last point : delete the last point on your track; think about using the reverse tool if you want to delete the first point...

Delete some points : trace a line which intersects your track at two places (finish the line with a double click). All the points on your track which are situated between the two intersections will be deleted. This tool does not add points to your track (the intersections will not be saved).

Cancel the last action : replace your track in the state it was before you last used the editing tool. This tool only keeps one version of your track in its memory, you can not go further back in history.

Delete your track : deletes the geometry of your current track after having asked for confirmation for this action.

Note ! Think about using the “Register my draft” tool, as and when you are tracing. If you encounter a problem, you can always open a new page to create a track and import your draft to continue your work. One sole draft is saved per user: it automatically gets rid of the preceding draft.

Once your track suits you, you just have to generate the profile and fill in the description field. Go to the heading "Create a track froma gpx/kml file" to know more about this step.

Note ! A quality track must have points sufficiently close enough to each other to give the best impression of the ground. Try to place a point around every 30m ! A track which is really mediocre can be deleted or labelled “private” by the web-site's moderator.